Some common goals for Dist. 20 hopefuls

Senate candidates focus on economy

Three candidates are vying for the state Senate seat in District 20 in the Nov. 6 general election.

Voters in the Glendale and Phoenix district have a choice between Democrat Michael Powell, Independent Doug Quelland or Republican Kimberly Yee.

Among the district's registered voters, there are 41,412 Republicans, 30,345 Democrats and 35,775 independents.

Of the three candidates, Yee racked up $67,150 in campaign funds, of which she has spent $13,339, according to campaign-finance reports. Powell's campaign accrued $38,849 and he spent $18,316.Quelland collected $6,348 and spent $6,125.

Powell and Yee agree boosting the economy, growing jobs and improving K-12 education are top issues.

Quelland did not return a call seeking comment. He is seeking to regain a seat in the Legislature after he was forced out of the House in 2009 for violations of the public campaign-finance law.

Yee, who holds a state House seat, is seeking to replace outgoing Sen. Linda Gray.

She has cited her public-service experience during the campaign, as well as her positions seeking to lower taxes and limit government. In addition, Yee said she has shown a willingness to reach across the aisle to work with Democrats.

"When people want a bill passed, they know I will sponsor that bill and carry that bill to the finish line," she said.

"I believe that it is important that we elect a senator who you can trust. We need to elect someone who will uphold ethical principals and serve you with honor and integrity at the Legislature."

Powell touts his background with Avondale, where he wrote numerous grant proposals in the areas of economic development and infrastructure.

"My background is in government and economics based on making things work, not by living a political ideology and following Republican leadership orders as in Ms. Yee's words, 'I have been groomed for this job,' '' Powell said.

Powell, who believes 40 years of Republican leadership in Arizona is enough, said he knocked on 1,200 to 1,400 doors during the campaign. He told voters during a Clean Elections debate that the state Legislature is headed in the wrong direction with issues that matter to Arizonans. These include good-paying jobs, a strong education for children, and stable homes.

"Colorado has 1.3 million less people than Arizona, yet they have an economy that is $74 billion richer than ours," Powell said. "If we had the same wealth as Colorado, every man, woman and child across the state would earn $11,400 more per year. No amount of wishful trickle-down thinking can overcome this result of 40 years of Republican failed policies and leadership."

The candidates

Previous occupations/experience: Director of communications and legislative affairs for Arizona State Treasurer's Office; deputy cabinet secretary for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger; senior research analyst for the Arizona Senate Committee on Education; policy analyst for Gov. Pete Wilson and the state Board of Education; executive fellow for the state superintendent of public instruction in the area of child care and development; administrative services for the Maricopa County attorney; intern for the U.S. Department of Justice